From WRC to 24 Hours of Le Mans, Audi eyes the F1 podium in 2026
Besides Formula One, the newly formed Audi Sport will also venture in the Dakar Rally next year, with its innovation project– the RS-Q e-Tron
The world of motorsport was pleased when luxury auto brand Audi officially announced its intention to join Formula One (F1). The carmaker will be joining the motorsport competition in 2026 as an engine supplier and provide power units for established F1 teams.
The German marque released an official statement to notify about this development. As per the press release from Audi, it will reveal the team it is partnering with by the end of this year. The business of operations for Audi’s F1 programme will be handled by its newly formed subsidiary– Audi Sport.
Audi prototype F1 car
Changes in F1 regulations
Audi’s entry into the F1 scene coincides with the massive change in regulations for powertrains used in the championship, approved by the FIA World Motor Sport Council just a few weeks ago. These changes will be implemented in 2026 and are being considered a major reason for the company’s entry into the F1 scene.
Under the new F1 rules, the complex MGU-H system (which captures energy from exhaust gases) will be scrapped altogether and replaced with the MGU-K system which recaptures energy under braking. While the race cars will retain the current V6 internal combustion (IC) engine architecture, they will feature increased electrical power and 100% sustainable fuels.
Audi to make F1 debut in 2026
The electric motor in play will be nearly as powerful as the IC engine with an output of 350kW (470 bhp) and 400kW (537 bhp), respectively. Increased dependency on electrical power will reduce consumption of fuel in a race from 100kg to 70kg. On the other hand, the removal of MGU-H, along with other measures is expected to reduce costs.
The new regulations are in line with F1’s vision of going Carbon Neutral by 2030. In addition to the existing cap on costs for teams, the World Motor Sport Council will also implement a cost cap for power unit manufacturers from 2023.
Audi Sport F1 program
Power units for F1 will be developed at Audi Sport’s facility in Neuburg, near Ingolstadt. This marks the first time in more than a decade that an F1 powertrain will be built in Germany. The media statement from Audi confirms that it is currently working on getting personnel, buildings and technical infrastructure in place by the end of this year.
It has also been revealed that the Neuburg-based facility already has test benches for F1 engine testing as well as for electric motor and battery testing. Audi Sport and its F1 programme will be headed by its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Adam Baker, who is a recruit from the FIA.
F1 operations handled by Audi Sport
While Audi has not yet issued confirmations about its partner, rumours are rife that it may join hands with Sauber – which currently runs its cars under the Alfa Romeo banner. It is already known that Audi will be taking over 23% shares of Sauber by the end of the 2023 F1 season.
Not only Audi but Porsche too is speculated to join the F1 bandwagon soon. Interestingly, both German brands are part of the Volkswagen Group conglomerate. Reportedly, Porsche is likely to acquire a 50% stake in UK-based Red Bull Racing Technologies after its former partner Honda quit the F1 scene last year.
(Images & video courtesy Audi)
Edited by Akanksha Sarma